I don't think it's that dramatic.
Hotton is effectively missing the season.
Which makes it his third season without football proper.
Probably the tigers most important player after lalor. Draft position. Age. Talent. People on how high one still is on smillie.
Pretty bad stuff for the tigers.
Won't miss the whole year. Probably half at least, but there's a good chance he'll return for the last 6-10 games, similar to last year.
As for importance, gee personally I think Armstrong and Faull are up there too. Especially with other mid options like KMac2, Lalor, Cumming, Grlj, heck I'd even try Smith and Campbell there.
Not that Hotton isn't exciting.
